Pothole breakdowns spike in July, warns The AA
New data from The AA and The Pothole Partnership has revealed a spike in pothole breakdowns during July.
After falling numbers in the first half of the year, call-outs rose again in July compared to the same month last year, according to July’s AA Pothole Index.
The increase has been attributed to a higher temperatures making worn or damaged tyres more susceptible to failure, increased road trips on bad quality rural roads, and heat stress worsening already worn tyres.
The Pothole Partnership, an alliance comprising The AA, JCB, British Cycling, and the National Motorcyclists Council, has now reiterated its call for continued investment in the road infrastructure, warning that poor road surfaces pose a significant risk to motorists, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.
More investment
Edmund King, AA president, said: “This summer’s heatwave has starkly exposed the fragility of Britain’s roads. While investment and repair campaigns have made a difference, the recent setback illustrates that much more must be done to create a safe and reliable road network for everyone.
“We urge the government and local authorities to redouble their efforts in tackling the pothole crisis, prioritising rural routes and frequently used cycling and motorcycling corridors.”
Serious hazard
Meanwhile, Craig Carey-Clinch, the National Motorcycle Committee’s executive director, added: “Although the NMC has welcomed recent investment announcements, the July Pothole Index underlines that the urgency of the problem remains.
“Potholes, damaged surfaces and other related road conditions remain a serious hazard for motorcyclists and other two-wheel users, with riders often citing this as a major road safety issue for them.
“Local authorities must act on recent investment announcements, including undertaking the requirement for road maintenance reporting which will unlock additional funding.”
